Top Hot Spots for Teens

The pastime for every teen is hanging out. It doesn’t have to involve actually doing anything, just a group of friends spending time with each other in a designated location. So where are they hanging out? Here are the top hot spots for teens.

Restaurants

Grabbing a bite to eat is a staple activity for social teens, making restaurants a hot spot for high schoolers. Teens pack tables and booths of local eateries, even if only one or two of them actually order. And with the Internet and their smartphones, teens are finding the cheap eats on local search engines like Canada 411 and coupon sites like Groupon.

The Mall

Over the years, the mall has continued its prominence as a top hot spot for teens. With its large selection of stores and food courts, it is the ultimate arena for hanging out. Where else can teens listen to music, play video games and eat sweets all day?

Cyberspace

There is one place that is a hot spot for teens that doesn’t even exist in the physical world: cyberspace. In fact, it is where teens spend most of their time. From social media like Facebook and Twitter to videoconferencing apps like Skype, cyberspace provides several places for teens to hang out, even when they’re far apart.

Friend’s House

The sleepover is a rite of passage for most teens, making the homes of each one its very own hot spot. It is also the hot spot parents like most, since they can actually keep an eye on their teens.

Is Your Teen at Risk of Suicide?

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 

Image via Wikipedia

Knowing the warning signs to teen suicide could mean the difference between life and death for a family member. Here are some important warning signs to suicide and some important ways it can be avoided.

Teens are more at risk of suicide if they are:

  • socially isolated
  • struggling psychologically and emotionally
  • having health concerns
  • leading a stressful life
  • live in an unstable environment
  • living in an isolated area, such as a rural community
  • have a drug and/or alcohol problem
  • having financial difficulties
  • involved, or have previously been involved in any sort of abusive relationship
  • able access to weapons or other items that could inflict harm
  • suffering from any sort of personal loss
  • suffering from the effects of a traumatic event
  • confused about anything, such as sexuality or friendships
  • being bullied

Common warning signs include:

  • depression
  • obsession with death, such as talking or writing about it
  • isolating themselves from family and/or friends
  • verbally threatening to harm themselves
  • unexpected and sudden changes in behavior
  • making preparations for death, such as tying up loose ends
  • excess intake of drugs and/or alcohol
  • giving away personal items
  • statements such as ‘I can’t take this anymore’
  • deliberate self-harm

Things that can help prevent teenage suicide include:

  • a healthy level of confidence and self-esteem
  • a high level of emotional and life coping skills
  • a healthy connection with family, community and culture
  • a strong sense of personal empowerment
  • appropriate access to health care
  • good social and familial support systems
  • a clear cultural role in the family and community

Being mindful of such warning signs could help prevent teen suicide.

 

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